About
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4th Degree Black Belt under Rafael Lovato Jr.
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James Puopolo began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in January of 2005, shortly after graduating high school. A former high school basketball player, James originally planned to pursue boxing, but after watching early UFC events, his father encouraged him to try Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instead. That decision quickly turned into a lifelong pursuit.
James developed his Jiu-Jitsu under some of the sport’s most respected competitors and instructors, including Xande and Saulo Ribeiro and Rafael Lovato Jr. While working full time as a math teacher, he steadily built his skills and competitive career, earning his black belt in October of 2011 under Rafael Lovato Jr.
As a competitor, Professor Puopolo has achieved success at the national and international level. Most notably, he became Oregon’s first and only Black Belt World Champion at the 2013 No-Gi World Championships. His competition experience continues to influence the way he teaches, emphasizing both technical precision and long-term development.
At Salem-Keizer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy, James teaches youth and adult students with classes ranging from complete beginners to advanced martial arts practitioners. His classes focus on thoughtful instruction, structured progress, and techniques designed to build strength, stamina, and understanding over time.
His goal is to help students grow not only as martial artists, but as confident, capable individuals on and off the mats.
We offer Youth and Adult programs featuring fast-paced, fun, and effective self-defense classes that help students grow and thrive.
Discover why we've had such outstanding success teaching our students in Salem how to build their confidence, discipline and strength through martial arts at .
SKBJJ TEAM
is supported by a great team of instructors who help create a positive, motivating training environment. As a black belt, brings years of martial arts experience and understanding of Jiu-Jitsu to every class. Students learn different moves, learning basic self-defense techniques and all the conditioning they need to be healthy and fit!
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Everyone starts with a 4 Week Trial & Uniform.